🔗 Share this article Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Late Tunisia Fightback Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a commanding advantage, before they were forced to hold on for a narrow victory. The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco. Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround. The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion. The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the upright. Securing Top Spot This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match left to play. For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups. Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture. The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars. A Nervy Finish The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw. Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved. What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense affair. Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross. The lead was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick. Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback. The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen. Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a stirring recovery. Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his departure.